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About

Summary

When launching your kayak into Lake Zoar the atmosphere is still and quiet. The water gives of a blueish green appearance depending on the weather. On clear days one can see about 7 to 8 feet into the water. Underneath your Kayak you can see large boulders, rocks, tree branches that have ended up deep into the water, and fish. The lake makes each paddle stroke easy and light.

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Distance

10.0 miles

Lake Shore is about 10 miles and is part of the Housatonic River behind Stevenson Dam.

Destination Distance From Downtown

16.6 miles

Difficulty

2 of 5 diamonds

Lake Zoar gets a rating of 2 stars because its calm waters. Paddling along the shoreline of Lake Zoar is very pleasant. The currents pushing against your paddle board is not forceful or straining. Lake Zoar is a perfect lake for beginners. The lake's essence is great for nature watching, bird watching, and also seeing the wildlife underneath the water.

Time To Complete

1 hours

Lake Zoar at Kettletown CT is about 10 miles long and is the 5th largest freshwater body in the state. Even thought the lake in itself is 10 miles, as a paddle boater you might decide shoreline kayaking

Seasonality

All Seasons

Lake Zoar is beautiful in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. During the winter the temperature drops and makes the conditions on the lake dangerous to kayak, or the use of any other Paddle-boats.

Dog Friendly

On Leash Only

Kettletown State park is a dog friendly park as long as all pets have a leash and the owners are responsible for picking up any of the dogs droppings.

Fees Permits

Yes

Kettletown State Park has parking fees on Weekends/Holidays. The parking fees for registered state cars is $9 dollars and $15 dollars for unregistered cars.

Topographical Map

Land Website

Review

Intro

The end of September gives us mornings that are brisk and wet. For many this would lead to discouragement, the feeling of warmth overtakes their feeling of adventure. The cold brisk air against their cheek might not be as inspiring as the warm summer days. But that is when we should rise early, letting ourselves be inspired by the uncomfortable cold air in order to gain the strength to find ourselves tying up our Kayaks on top of cars and heading down to the lake.

The lake of course would be Lake Zoar located at Kettletown State Park. It is here at Lake Zoar that we can set and accomplish incredible goals. The trees along the shoreline as you paddle down the lake are turning a bright yellow and orange. The lake is quiet, there are no sounds of city life, leaving you to use the quiet and the steady paddling as a form of mediation, and it is truly liberating.

What Makes It Great

Kayking at Lake Zoar allows you to experience the natural scenic scenery of the towns of Southbury and Newtown. It is paddling down Lake Zoar at Kettletown State Park where you get inspired to take a moment and just reflect at the beauty that is around you.

Kettletown State Park to local Southbury residents is referred to as the local beach, that is simply because most of the residents use the park shoreline as a swimming location. But Kettletown State Park reaches beyond the expectations of what we might consider a beach. No, instead Kettletown State Park is nothing like a beach might look like to us, for it’s shorelines are surrounded by untouched woodland for miles.

When launching your kayak into Lake Zoar the atmosphere is still and quiet. The water gives of a blueish green appearance depending on the weather. On clear days one can see about 7 to 8 feet into the water. Underneath your Kayak you can see large boulders, rocks, tree branches that have ended up deep into the water, and fish. The lake makes each paddle stroke easy and light. There is never a strong force pushing against you as you paddle, this is because the flat-water section Housatonic river does not produce currents. However, each kayaker must be aware that bigger, power motored boats launch themselves into Lake Zoar as well. These larger boats can cause currents and they can become a danger to you as a kayaker if you are distracted while paddling near them. While on Lake Zoar you need to be careful at all times for obstacles that may not seem that apparent. Obstacles such as strainers, strainers are using fallen trees from severe weather that can be hazardous for human powered paddle boaters.

Who is Going to Love It

Kettletown State Park will be loved by those who want to get on a Kayak for the first time. If you are just learning and want to spend time on the water without the fear of feeling like you need to have skills in order to enjoy the water then Lake Zoar is the place to go. Kettle town’s Lake Zoar is part of the Housatonic River, which makes the experience on the lake one to admire. It’s flat-water, no currents, and its beautiful scenery will have many visitors during the spring, summer, and fall. If you are inspired by the images of trees, blue water, and the wonderful sight of the old bridge that connects Southbury to Newtown.

Lake Zoar is by the most appealing place to kayak in Connecticut. It is great for individuals who want to take a day, or a weekend trip away from their busy schedules and enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the lake. And quiet is something that Lake Zoar does best, since of its shoreline is 80% of undeveloped woodland.

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

The best way to get to Kettletown State Park is getting onto I-84. From there take Exit 15 going south onto CT Route 67. When you reach the first traffic light onto Kettletown Road you want to take a right. From here you will continue for an approximately 3 miles towards Kettletown Road. After the 3 miles you will take a right onto Georges Hill Road. Kettletown State Park will be located on the left approximately 0.6 miles after your right turn.

If you are going to Kettletown State Park for the first time be prepared to pay a parking entrance fee. There is a fee if you are visiting on the weekend or holiday. Weekend and holiday fees are different for registered state cars and non-registered state cars. For registered cars the fee is $9 dollars and for non-registered state cars the fee is $15 dollars.

Once you reach the parking lot of Kettletown State park you will see restrooms, a recreation area, campgrounds, Lake Zoar beach, Lake Zoar’s launching boat ramp, and information.

Kettletown State Park is dog friendly. The park allows dogs to be near the recreation area, campgrounds, and near Lake Zoar as long as they have a leash. Owners are advised to look after their pet while being in the park. Also, visitors are advised to pick up any droppings left behind from their pets to ensure that the park is kept and clean for all visitors.

Kettletown State Park has a strict alcohol ban at all times when visiting the park. Even if you are having a cookout or a gathering, it is advised that you do not have alcohol with you. If a park official spots alcohol you may be ticketed and fined.